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Dukes, Lo Duca see action vs. Marlins

Dukes, Lo Duca see action vs. Marlins

JUPITER, Fla. -- Nationals outfielder Elijah Dukes played nine innings in a 4-2 loss to the Marlins on Sunday, and it proved that his right hamstring strain is going away.

At first, he didn't think he was going to play because it rained earlier in the day, but the field was dry by game time.

Dukes still felt some tightness, but it was not enough to leave the game. Dukes is expected to play against Tigers on Monday at Space Coast Stadium.

"It went well," Dukes said. "I'm trying to get back in. I'm trying to get back into playing shape."

Meanwhile, catcher Paul Lo Duca played five innings against the Marlins and didn't have problems with his left knee, which was surgically repaired last January. He will also play against the Tigers on Monday, and it will mark the first time this spring that he has caught in back-to-back games.

Bill Ladson is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.